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Zach Pressnell is a Newsweek contributor based in Columbus, Ohio. His focus is MLB content. He has an extensive knowledge of professional baseball and all things that come with it after working closely with the sport for years. Zach has been with Newsweek since November 2024 and previously worked at FanSided and OnSI. He is a graduate of Bethany College (WV). You can get in touch with Zach by emailing z.pressnell@newsweek.com.
Zach Pressnell
Contributing Sports Writer
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The Chicago Cubs came into the season needing to add some talent and depth to their pitching rotation. Following a few injuries, including a crushing elbow injury to Justin Steele, the Cubs’ biggest roster hole has gotten even worse.
They’ve been linked to Miami Marlins ace Sandy Alcántara as the solution to all their problems for a few months now, but no deal has come to fruition.
ESPN’s Jeff Passan also linked the Cubs to Alcántara in a potential blockbuster trade that would give Chicago the controllable pitcher it needs.
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“Alcántara was arguably the best pitcher in baseball in 2022, winning the NL Cy Young unanimously. He was more solid than spectacular in 2023 and missed 2024 with Tommy John surgery,” Passan wrote. “He has been tinkering this season to try to get his pitch mix and locations right in hopes of regaining his former glory. His 7.14 ERA is unsightly, and with the Marlins still valuing him as a top starter, they could hold on to him until the winter, when teams such as the Baltimore Orioles would be more inclined to acquire him and the final two years of his contract.”
The Cubs are the clear top landing spot for Alcántara. They have top prospect Owen Caissie, who could be the headliner in the return to Miami. The front office in Chicago has also been quite aggressive over the last few months, so it wouldn’t be shocking to see the team pull off another blockbuster deal.
The World Series window is wide open for the Cubs this year. If they’re going to win it all, this might be their best shot. Acquiring Alcántara would be a huge move for the team right now, but it would give them a potential ace for the next few years, too.
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